Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights – BD1004
Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights
30% off Standard Cabins Departing Sep 9, 16 & 23
One of our more active expeditions is a nature-lover’s dream. This fly/cruise voyage shaves off the ocean crossings, taking you straight to the adventure. Trek the tundra, watch muskoxen grazing the hillside and explore the world’s largest fjord system by kayak. You can wander through Thule ruins one day, then drop in to visit the townspeople of Ittoqqortoormiit the next. Possible displays of the Northern Lights may keep you up long past bedtime.
9 NIGHT CRUISE
Possible Landings: Reykjavik, Constable Point, Ymer Island C. Hofmann Halvø, Denmark Island, Holm Bay and Ella Island, Denmark Island, Ittoqqortoormiit, Rødefjord, Scoresby Sund, Sydkap, Constable Point, Reykjavik
Blomsterbugten, Ymer Island
Also known as the Bay of Flowers, Blomsterbugten is a colorful and lush landscape quite different from other Arctic regions like Spitsbergen. Expect a range of flora and fauna here, with a hike to Noa Lake.
Hofmann Halvø
This is often the best location for getting close to muskoxen. The peninsula is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers while at sea.
Denmark Island
Encounter some of the most stunning icebergs before hiking across Denmark Island, which offers stupendous views of Scoresby Sund and Fønfjord below.
Holm Bay and Ella Island
Toward the northern end of Scoresby Land is King Oscar Fjord. Holm Bay is a common landing site, allowing for panoramic views of the fjord and the surrounding area. Within the fjord, and hence within Northeast Greenland National Park, lies Ella Island, where the Danish navy unit known as Sirius Sledge Patrol trains in summer. Muskoxen may be spotted on the island.
Ittoqqortoormiit
Around 500 people call this northern settlement home. Traditional hunting and fishing ways are alive and well here, as are the northern lights. This is one of the best places to possibly see the mysterious aurora borealis. Hiking from Ittoqqortoormiit toward Hurry Inlet, you’ll be immersed in arctic flora, with wildflowers coloring the landscape.
Rødefjord
The Red Fjord, or Rødefjord, is named for the colorful sandstone located on its western side. The stone has been “stained” red by hematite, creating an oddity in this part of Greenland.
Scoresby Sund
Revered by many as the most beautiful fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund is definitely the longest and largest. The sound was named after William Scoresby Jr., a whaler, scientist and man of the cloth, who was famed for mapping more than 400 miles (640 km) of Greenland’s coastline.
Sydkap
Icebergs and early history take center stage here, as the remains of an ancient Thule settlement may be seen. Be on the lookout for arctic hare and muskoxen in this area.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly modern Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city.
Day 2
EMBARKATION DAY AT CONSTABLE POINT
You’ll fly from Reykjavik to Constable Point to board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Day 3
ALPEFJORD
You’ll cruise through breathtaking Alpefjord, where fjords punctuate the scenery all around. Your day will be spent exploring and Zodiac cruising through a multitude of dazzling fjords, sounds and icebergs in all shapes and sizes. Be on the lookout for arctic fox and muskoxen, which roam free here.
Day 4
BROGETDAL AND WALTERSHAUSEN GLACIER
Multihued mountains surround the lovely Brogetdal, which originally translated as “painted valley” and now means “multicolored valley.” You’ll discover why firsthand as you marvel at the valley’s colorful vistas and fascinating geology. Later, you’ll travel to the impressive and rarely visited Waltershausen Glacier, an imposing ice floe at the head of Nordfjord. It was named after German explorer Baron Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen, after his failed 1869 attempt to reach the North Pole via East Greenland
Day 5
BLOMSTERBUGTEN AND RENBUGTEN
Blomsterbugten, also known as the Bay of Flowers, is home to beautiful purple-and-gold-colored rocks that you’ll view from distance or on a hike, if you wish. Later, we’ll continue to Renbugten, or Reindeer Bay, named for the herd of 12 reindeer seen on one of the first expeditions to the area. Arctic hare are a common and delightful sight here.
Day 6
ELLA OYA (ELLA ISLAND)
Ella Oya is a hiker’s paradise. The area is surrounded by ice-choked waters, rugged cliffs and sky blue icebergs. Challenge yourself with a climb to the top of the island—the views are worth it.
Day 7
ITTOQQORTOORMIIT AND HALL BREDNING
At the start of the Scoresby Sund, Ittoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s most northerly community and boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. With clear skies, you’ll have a great opportunity to see the northern lights. You can also support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts. Our time here is spent bonding with the Inuit people and gaining an appreciation of their way of life. Later, we’ll see huge icebergs—larger than football fields and taller than apartment buildings—as we cross Hall Bredning, part of the sounds.
Day 8
FREDERIKSDAL AND SYDKAP
Sailing on, deeper into Scoresby Sund you’ll encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as we approach Sydkap. The scenery here is unforgettable, with towering mountains and hundreds of monumental icebergs playing tricks with your sense of perception.
Day 9
DISEMBARKATION AT CONSTABLE POINT
Today, we’ll arrive at Constable Point and disembark the ship. Sit back and enjoy your charter flight from Constable Point to Reykjavik, the vibrant and artistic capital of Iceland, then overnight in your comfortable Reykjavik hotel.
Day 10
DEPART REYKJAVIK
Make your own way to the airport for your return flight home or spend some extra time in Reykjavik—you’ll be amazed at the variety of attractions and must-see places of interests the city has to offer.
Important Reminder
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
Pricing & Tour Dates
2019
2020
| Date | Departure | Quad | Triple | Upper/ Lower | Bridge Deck Twin | Upper Deck Twin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2-11, 2019 | Reykjavik | 6.695 | 7.195 | 8.895 | 9.295 | 9.795 |
| Sep 9-18, 2019 | Reykjavik | 6.695 | 7.195 | 30 % off 6227 | 9.295 | 9.795 |
| Sep 16-25, 2019 | Reykjavik | 6.695 | 7195 | 30% off 6227 | 9295 | 9795 |
| Sep 23 - Oct 2, 2019 | Reykjavik | 6.695 | 7.195 | 30% off 6227 | 9.295 | 9.795 |
Included Features
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
- Beer and house wine during dinner
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by our expedition team and special guests as scheduled
- Photographic journal documenting the expedition
- Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
- Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik, with breakfast
- Group transfer from Reykjavik hotel to domestic airport on embarkation day
- Charter flight from Reykjavik to Constable Point on embarkation day
- Charter flight from Constable Point to Reykjavik domestic airport on disembarkation day
- Group transfer from domestic airport to Reykjavik hotel
- One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik, with breakfast
Excludes
- International airfare
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Optional kayaking activities
- Arrival and departure transfers between Reykjavik international airport and hotel on arrival and departure days
Included Activities:
Zodiac cruising:
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable.
Hiking:
Led by experienced staff, exploring in foot is the best way to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every passenger.
Presentations:
Daily chats with on-board experts—our guides, scientists and other special guests—let guests rub shoulders with historians, ornithologists, biologists, geologists and more.
Polar Plunge:
This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera lens on board!
Photography:
Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you learn skills to capture the beauty of the Polar Regions.
Walking poles are provided at each landing for your convenience. As there are limited number of poles available, please bring your own if you require them on every landing.
Paid Activities
Options
Sea Kayaking $695
Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking adventures are a great way to feel at one with the sea. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage instead of shore landings. The number of kayaking opportunities is weather dependent and will only be conducted during calm conditions.
Prior kayaking experience is recommended for you to feel comfortable on the water, and the capability to do a wet exit is strongly encouraged. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion adventure option.
Paddling Excursion $195
If you’re interested in kayaking and would like to try something less in depth than Sea Kayaking, you can still enjoy the benefits of adding an on-water experience to your expedition with a Paddling Excursion. Sign up for a one-time paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered—perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.
For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly.
Meals
If there is one constant at sea, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three meals a day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet-style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
Soft drinks, juices and water are available at all times, and beer and wine are served with dinner, all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at an extra cost, which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bar is open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in the late morning, afternoon and evening.
Packing Checklist
Weather is very variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
For Shore Landings
- Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend)
- Mid-layer warm/fleece top
- Mid-layer warm/fleece pant
- Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs)
- Neck warmer or balaclava
- Warm hat that covers ears
- Waterproof pants
- Waterproof gloves and glove liners
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Spare set of gloves
- Bug spray and bug nets
Suggested Items
- Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
- Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!)
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates)
- Eye masks for sleeping
- Seasickness, indigestion, headache
- or other medicine
- Voltage converters and plug adapters (220V/European outlets)
- Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising)
For on Board
- Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
- Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
- Comfortable non-slip close-toed unhealed shoes
- (NOTE: Flip flops or sandals should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
Expedition Team
Behind the scenes and on the front lines, we are nothing without the dedication, knowledge, energy and passion of our staff. By consistently attracting the most talented people in the polar travel industry, we can keep doing what we do, season after season, to the poles and back and back again. This is where we shine. Our Expeditions Leaders and staff bring diverse polar expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology and photography. Their knowledge will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further enhance your connection to the Arctic.
With over 25 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions, we know how to handle the unexpected to guarantee the safety of all passengers. Ensuring this hard earned experience is not lost, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in our newly developed Quark Academy, which provides real-world polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage.
See The Ships
Ocean Nova
A different perspective awaits you as you board the Ocean Nova. The smallest and most nimble ship in Quark Expeditions®’ fleet, she is best known for her informal atmosphere and homelike comfort. An ice-strengthened hull makes it Arctic-ready, while a clean Scandinavian style permeates the interior.
